Agency vs Permanent: Which Is Best for HGV Drivers?

This is one of the most common questions we hear from drivers. The honest answer is that neither option is universally better — it depends on your priorities, circumstances, and career stage. Here is a straightforward comparison.

Pay Comparison

Agency pay is typically higher on an hourly basis:

• Class 1 agency: £14 to £18 per hour (days), £16 to £22 (nights)
• Class 2 agency: £12 to £16 per hour (days), £14 to £18 (nights)
• Peak season and unsocial hours can push rates even higher
• Overtime is common and usually paid at enhanced rates

Permanent pay is lower per hour but comes with extras:

• Class 1 permanent: £32,000 to £45,000 typical salary
• Class 2 permanent: £28,000 to £38,000 typical salary
• Many permanent roles include overtime opportunities that push total earnings above £50,000

Benefits

This is where permanent employment has a clear advantage:

• Holiday: permanent staff typically get 28 days including bank holidays. Agency workers accrue holiday (12.07% of hours worked) but many have it rolled into their hourly rate, meaning no paid time off
• Pension: permanent employers contribute to your pension (minimum 3%). Agency pension contributions also apply after qualifying periods, but the process can be less transparent
• Sick pay: permanent staff often get company sick pay. Agency workers receive only Statutory Sick Pay (£116.75/week in 2025/26) after qualifying
• Training: permanent employers often pay for CPC training, ADR, and licence upgrades. Agency drivers usually fund their own

Flexibility

This is where agency work wins decisively:

• Choose when you work — pick up shifts that suit your schedule
• Work with multiple agencies to maximise availability
• Take time off without needing approval (though no pay)
• Try different companies and sectors without commitment
• No notice period if you want to change

Job Security

Permanent work offers more stability — a contracted salary, regular hours, and employment protections (unfair dismissal after 2 years, redundancy pay). Agency work provides no guaranteed hours, and shifts can dry up during quiet periods (January and summer are typically slower).

Which Should You Choose?

Consider agency work if you value flexibility, want to earn maximum hourly rates, are testing different employers, or have other commitments that require variable hours.

Consider permanent work if you want stable income, need benefits (especially sick pay and pension), prefer routine, or want employer-funded training and career progression.

Many drivers start with agency work to build experience, then move permanent once they find an employer they like. Others go the opposite direction — leaving permanent roles for the higher rates and freedom of agency. At Titan Recruitment, we offer both options and can advise based on your situation.